Polio Eradication a National Priority, Says Health Minister Mustafa Kamal

Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal emphasized that polio eradication remains a national priority for Pakistan. During his visit to the Sindh Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) for Polio in Karachi, he highlighted the need for a modern, integrated strategy to achieve a polio-free Pakistan. Kamal expressed concern over vaccine refusals, noting that approximately 43,000 parents in Sindh, with nearly 42,000 in Karachi alone, have declined to vaccinate their children. He urged parents to ensure their children receive polio drops during the upcoming National Polio Campaign in April, stressing that with parental cooperation, the country can eliminate polio. He also acknowledged the dedication of frontline workers and district administrations in combating polio and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting Sindh in these efforts, especially since four out of six polio cases in 2025 were reported from the province.